DDoS -- Computer Weekly reports that Britain's National Hi-Tech Crime Unit has indicated that businesses that surrender ransoms to criminals who launch DDoS attacks on their web sites could be breaking the law. According to Miranda Moore, a barrister specializing in organized crime, "You may be breaking the Proceeds of Crime Act. You may also be committing offences under the Theft Act if you mis-describe how money is used in your accounts."
Gambling Bill Scrutiny -- The British Amusement Catering Trade Association (BACTA) recently commissioned the Henley Center to study and report on the "Economic and Social Impacts of the proposed new Gambling Bill." BACTA's president, Tim Batstone, said, "What the Henley Center Report indicates is that the Bill as currently being proposed fails to achieve the balance of necessary safeguards both socially and economically. It benefits two new market sectors (Vegas style casinos and new media) but hugely disadvantages much of the existing traditional UK market, will damage communities, limit customer choice and do nothing to regenerate areas most in need." The report warns that the Bill would lead to an increase in racketeering and would damage social clubs, bingo halls, amusement arcades and pubs. Peter Perrins, managing director of bingo operator Carlton Clubs has also voiced fear that by allowing large casinos the Bill will damage his business. Perrins said, "Bingo is rightly seen as one of the softest forms of gambling and blurring the lines between bingo and casinos would set an alarming precedent. If the proposals become law, then it is likely to have a negative impact on the numbers of people playing bingo."….. Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell and Lord McIntosh delivered evidence yesterday to the Gambling Bill's Parliamentary Scrutiny Committee. According to the Guardian, Jowell may agree with MPs that bill must provide more social responsibility protection. It now seems likely that casino operators hoping to obtain a license will first have to make commitments to limit problem gambling and money laundering. Jowell doesn’t plan to alter the draft proposals until after the committee has given its response in April. She will then consider the response and attempt to draft a non-controversial Bill. Jowell also indicated that more rules might be inserted to address betting exchanges, one of the committee's primary concerns.
Ireland's Betfair -- Betfair, which has already sponsored 13 races in Ireland, says it expects to have sponsored around 30 by the end of 2004. The Irish Independent reports that the Irish Turf Club is rumored to have met with the British Jockey Club yesterday to discuss betting exchanges and their relation to racing. Betfair maintains that it will fully cooperate with any investigations into racing’s integrity.